Can I do better than this under £500?
Discussion
Got bought my first vinyl this weekend for my birthday, an event I was putting off due to the inevitable costs that come with delving into the world of proper Hi-Fi
Question is, can I have nice sounding system for less than £450/500?
I like the look of the Denon DM39DAB with either Q Audio Q2020i speakers or Dali Zensor 1s but I don't know how this would perform with a turntable connected
Would I be better with something like this and then add a CD player at a later date? http://www.hifix.co.uk/Hi-Fi-Amps-and-Receivers/pi...
Question is, can I have nice sounding system for less than £450/500?
I like the look of the Denon DM39DAB with either Q Audio Q2020i speakers or Dali Zensor 1s but I don't know how this would perform with a turntable connected
Would I be better with something like this and then add a CD player at a later date? http://www.hifix.co.uk/Hi-Fi-Amps-and-Receivers/pi...
With a 500 pound budget, If it were me I'd be looking in the classifieds for some nice old British stuff. There are some seriously nice speakers about too for little money.
The likes of Castle/Ruark/Rogers etc.
I'm into my hifi and do collect the stuff, I picked up a little amp called a Myst, British made, sleek and from the 80's. It was cheaper than the Pioneer you link to but I can guarantee it would outclass it, it's on a par with some of my better amps.
Plus it's a bit of interest sticking a classic system together, especially for vinyl.
Shame you're not closer I'd invite you around to hear a few different bits and bobs.
The likes of Castle/Ruark/Rogers etc.
I'm into my hifi and do collect the stuff, I picked up a little amp called a Myst, British made, sleek and from the 80's. It was cheaper than the Pioneer you link to but I can guarantee it would outclass it, it's on a par with some of my better amps.
Plus it's a bit of interest sticking a classic system together, especially for vinyl.
Shame you're not closer I'd invite you around to hear a few different bits and bobs.
kenny.R400 said:
With a 500 pound budget, If it were me I'd be looking in the classifieds for some nice old British stuff. There are some seriously nice speakers about too for little money.
The likes of Castle/Ruark/Rogers etc.
I'm into my hifi and do collect the stuff, I picked up a little amp called a Myst, British made, sleek and from the 80's. It was cheaper than the Pioneer you link to but I can guarantee it would outclass it, it's on a par with some of my better amps.
Plus it's a bit of interest sticking a classic system together, especially for vinyl.
Shame you're not closer I'd invite you around to hear a few different bits and bobs.
I thought this would be the answer, where would you suggest I look for older pieces? The dream would be a tube amp of some kind, do they ever come up cheaper, second hand?The likes of Castle/Ruark/Rogers etc.
I'm into my hifi and do collect the stuff, I picked up a little amp called a Myst, British made, sleek and from the 80's. It was cheaper than the Pioneer you link to but I can guarantee it would outclass it, it's on a par with some of my better amps.
Plus it's a bit of interest sticking a classic system together, especially for vinyl.
Shame you're not closer I'd invite you around to hear a few different bits and bobs.
Yes they do but for a really nice sounding one in good nick I think you'd be pushing to keep in budget.
Just look through completed listings on Ebay.
I've just had a quick browse matched up a Naim Nait3 with Ditton 44 speakers for sub £360 as an example, that would sound very nice indeed, and would blow away a £1000 worth of new kit.
A Nait 2 is a great amp too but maybe 50 or so quid dearer then the later 3.
I've been mucking about on Ebay recently doing just this...........there are some steals available but the dealers are now starting to buy a lot of it up.
As I say, if you are passing through Lancs at all give me a shout, I would show you bits of kit that you'd love.
Just look through completed listings on Ebay.
I've just had a quick browse matched up a Naim Nait3 with Ditton 44 speakers for sub £360 as an example, that would sound very nice indeed, and would blow away a £1000 worth of new kit.
A Nait 2 is a great amp too but maybe 50 or so quid dearer then the later 3.
I've been mucking about on Ebay recently doing just this...........there are some steals available but the dealers are now starting to buy a lot of it up.
As I say, if you are passing through Lancs at all give me a shout, I would show you bits of kit that you'd love.
Edited by kenny.R400 on Monday 12th May 11:59
kenny.R400 said:
Yes they do but for a really nice sounding one in good nick I think you'd be pushing to keep in budget.
Just look through completed listings on Ebay.
I've just had a quick browse matched up a Naim Nait3 with Ditton 44 speakers for sub £360 as an example, that would sound very nice indeed, and would blow away a £1000 worth of new kit.
A Nait 2 is a great amp too but maybe 50 or so quid dearer then the later 3.
I've been mucking about on Ebay recently doing just this...........there are some steals available but the dealers are now starting to buy a lot of it up.
As I say, if you are passing through Lancs at all give me a shout, I would show you bits of kit that you'd love.
Thank you for the offer and useful info! I fear this is going to end up costing me a lot more than £500, goodbye savings!Just look through completed listings on Ebay.
I've just had a quick browse matched up a Naim Nait3 with Ditton 44 speakers for sub £360 as an example, that would sound very nice indeed, and would blow away a £1000 worth of new kit.
A Nait 2 is a great amp too but maybe 50 or so quid dearer then the later 3.
I've been mucking about on Ebay recently doing just this...........there are some steals available but the dealers are now starting to buy a lot of it up.
As I say, if you are passing through Lancs at all give me a shout, I would show you bits of kit that you'd love.
Edited by kenny.R400 on Monday 12th May 11:59
On the subject of cheap valve amps, are these Chinese ones any good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDIOROMY-FU29-x2-Vacuum...
(Audioromy FU29)
They get a few good reviews on various forums
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDIOROMY-FU29-x2-Vacuum...
(Audioromy FU29)
They get a few good reviews on various forums
Budgie, I've no experience whatsoever of them. Six months ago I probably would have said/guessed that they were rubbish, however having recently purchased a couple of cheap Chinese made DACS which are astounding for the price I have changed my mind on these things now.
To the OP, your turntable will be great with a "classic" amp, and you can still do the streaming and lossless stuff with your laptop and DAC which will sound equally as good..probably better.
To the OP, your turntable will be great with a "classic" amp, and you can still do the streaming and lossless stuff with your laptop and DAC which will sound equally as good..probably better.
So how does one begin to get an idea of which amps to look for?
I need a "new" hi-fi (power?) amp and a phono pre-amp but how do you really know what you're getting is any good?
I got a pair of B&W speakers for £65, forget the exact model, more of an entry level model but not bad for the price. I found them from an ad in a post-office window
I need a "new" hi-fi (power?) amp and a phono pre-amp but how do you really know what you're getting is any good?
I got a pair of B&W speakers for £65, forget the exact model, more of an entry level model but not bad for the price. I found them from an ad in a post-office window
Edited by scarble on Monday 12th May 14:11
scarble said:
So how does one begin to get an idea of which amps to look for?
I need a "new" hi-fi (power?) amp and a phono pre-amp but how do you really know what you're getting is any good?
I got a pair of B&W speakers for £65, forget the exact model, more of an entry level model but not bad for the price. I found them from an ad in a post-office window
I think you just need to ask people as the OP has done, loads of differing views on the forums but the good stuff always shines through. Yep hifi is subjective but the rule of thumb is that good Brit stuff will always be a good performer.......or at least better than a few hundred quids worth of new Japanese kit.I need a "new" hi-fi (power?) amp and a phono pre-amp but how do you really know what you're getting is any good?
I got a pair of B&W speakers for £65, forget the exact model, more of an entry level model but not bad for the price. I found them from an ad in a post-office window
Edited by scarble on Monday 12th May 14:11
A mate recently bought 1ks worth of soundbar...........he was sick when he heard the Myst I picked up for a tenth of the price.
Well done with the B&Ws by the way........some of them are super.
OP - do you include the turntable in that budget, or do you already have one?
To echo what others have said, classic British 80s stuff will probably give you the best performance per Pound, particularly for vinyl. All designed when vinyl was king, so designed with it in mind.
I'm currently using a Systemdek II turntable with a Rega arm (both second hand), a new Nagaoka cartridge, an old A&R A60 amplifier and a pair of Dali Zensor 1s. I think they sound great and probably cost me about £500 plus a new belt and some cables. Add a cd player later, or take a chance on a used item.
It seems that the best value is found in buying the second favourite item of any era - old Naim stuff costs a fortune, but similar quality Exposure / Onix / Nytech etc stuff can be had much more reasonably. You may even prefer it. If you don't like it then sell it on. Either way, it is fun finding out.
To echo what others have said, classic British 80s stuff will probably give you the best performance per Pound, particularly for vinyl. All designed when vinyl was king, so designed with it in mind.
I'm currently using a Systemdek II turntable with a Rega arm (both second hand), a new Nagaoka cartridge, an old A&R A60 amplifier and a pair of Dali Zensor 1s. I think they sound great and probably cost me about £500 plus a new belt and some cables. Add a cd player later, or take a chance on a used item.
It seems that the best value is found in buying the second favourite item of any era - old Naim stuff costs a fortune, but similar quality Exposure / Onix / Nytech etc stuff can be had much more reasonably. You may even prefer it. If you don't like it then sell it on. Either way, it is fun finding out.
This is going to get expensive. I've already spent £70 on vinyl in three days. Couple of older friends have said they've got some spare older turntables and amps that I can take a look at. Maybe spend a little bit on those and spend more on some better speakers then update as and when I can afford it?
How about using your laptop as a source ? From your laptop to this £100 Audioquest Dragonfly 1.2 asynchronous USB DAC. Use the DAC to control the volume and then feed the £180 power amp version of this http://www.templeaudio.net/bantamgold.html
Choose your preference from Mission, Monitor Audio, Wharfedale, Dali, Cambridge Audio. Cambridge Aero 2s are £250 now.
http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-...
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/bantam_gold_e.html
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audioques...
£530ish + cables and speaker stands. £20 on cables & £50 for stands so £600 all in.
Choose your preference from Mission, Monitor Audio, Wharfedale, Dali, Cambridge Audio. Cambridge Aero 2s are £250 now.
http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-...
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/bantam_gold_e.html
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audioques...
£530ish + cables and speaker stands. £20 on cables & £50 for stands so £600 all in.
Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff